Y’all remember when oven potatoes took 45 minutes and we just sat there, poking them with a fork every five? Enter the magic of air fryer baby potatoescrispy little bites in just 20 minutes. This easy recipe has caught fire on Pinterest and TikTok. Beginner-friendly, pantry-ready, and perfect for any cozy weeknight plate.
These golden gems come out tender in the middle, with crackly skin and big flavor. All you need: baby potatoes, a little olive oil, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs. It’s as no-fuss as a baked potato, just faster and crispier. Full details in the blog!
I grew up digging potatoes out of the garden with my grandmadirt under the nails, sun on our backs. I test every version twice (sometimes three times) so it works right in your kitchen. I even added a twist to boost flavor without extra fat. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
These air fryer baby potatoes are a cozy mix of nostalgia and modern convenienceperfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekend meals. Here’s why they’ll win a permanent spot on your table:
Fast and fuss-free: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Crispy perfection: The air fryer creates that golden crust while keeping the centers buttery soft.
Simple, pantry ingredients: Common seasonings like garlic powder and dried herbs make this an easy, no-shopping kind of dish.
Versatile side: Pair with everything from roast chicken to a green saladit just works!
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe keeps it simple with everyday pantry staples combined for maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient
Purpose
1 lb baby potatoes, halved
The star of the dish! Their small size ensures quick, even cooking.
1 tbsp cooking oil
Helps the potatoes crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
1/2 tsp garlic powder + 1/2 tsp onion powder
Classic flavors for warmth and depth.
1/2 tsp dried thyme + 1/2 tsp dried parsley
Adds that herby, nostalgic touch.
Salt & pepper to taste
Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
The final sprinkle adds savory richness and a touch of indulgence.
Pro Tip: You can substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, and they’ll still taste amazing!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Don’t blinkyou could miss how fast and easy this recipe comes together! Follow these steps for perfectly crispy, herby potatoes every time:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures even cooking from the start.
Toss halved baby potatoes with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and parsley in a large bowl until evenly coated. Salt and pepper to taste.
Spread potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s space for air circulation (it’s key for crispiness!).
Set for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
When the timer beeps, sprinkle freshly cooked potatoes with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Timing Tips
Details
Prep time
5 minutes (no peeling necessary!)
Cook time
15–20 minutes (depending on desired crispiness)
Total time
A quick 25 minutes from start to finish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them to keep that crispy magic alive:
Storage: Place cooled potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness. Microwave works in a pinch, but they’ll be softer.
Method
Result
Air fryer reheating
Closest to the original texturecrispy outside, soft inside.
Microwave
Faster but less crispy.
Oven
Good option for larger batches; reheat at 375°F for ~10 minutes.
Pro Tip: Avoid freezing these potatoesthey lose their texture when thawed and reheated.
Expert Insight: Perfecting Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Using an air fryer for baby potatoes creates a crispy exterior while preserving a tender, fluffy interior. The key is even coating with oil and seasoning for balanced flavor and texture. This method quickly delivers perfectly cooked AIR FRYER BABY POTATOES without the need for added fats or long cooking times.
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Mastering Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
This air fryer baby potatoes recipe didn’t come together overnight. After a few kitchen experiments like tossing too many in at once or missing that perfect seasoningI finally nailed the crispness my family loves. It’s these little lessons and many taste tests that make this version so reliably delicious in every bite.
FAQs ( AIR FRYER BABY POTATOES )
How long do baby potatoes take in the air fryer?
Baby potatoes typically take 15-20 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes – smaller ones cook faster while larger baby potatoes may need a few extra minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning!
Should I boil baby potatoes before air frying?
No, you don’t need to boil baby potatoes before air frying them! One of the best things about using an air fryer is that you can cook them directly from raw. Simply wash, dry, and cut them in half if they’re larger than a golf ball. The air fryer will create that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and tender. Pre-boiling would actually make them too soft and prevent that lovely crispy texture we’re after.
What temperature is best for air fryer baby potatoes?
The ideal temperature for air fryer baby potatoes is 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives you the perfect balance of crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors without burning. Some people prefer 380°F for a gentler cook, but 400°F is the sweet spot that most air fryer enthusiasts swear by. At this temperature, you’ll get that beautiful golden-brown color and satisfying crunch that makes air fryer potatoes so irresistible.
Do I need to soak baby potatoes before air frying?
Soaking baby potatoes before air frying is optional, but it can help achieve extra crispiness! If you have 30 minutes to spare, soak the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. This helps create an even crispier exterior when air fried. After soaking, make sure to pat them completely dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get deliciously crispy results.
What seasonings work best for air fryer baby potatoes?
The classic combination of salt, pepper, and olive oil is always a winner, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Garlic powder, rosemary, and paprika make a delicious herb blend, while ranch seasoning or Italian seasoning packets are convenient options. For something special, try parmesan cheese and herbs, or go bold with cajun spice or everything bagel seasoning. The key is to toss the potatoes with a little oil first so the seasonings stick properly and create that perfect flavorful crust.
Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Your air fryer baby potatoes come together in no timecrispy on the outside, tender inside, with just the right herby touch. You’ll love how effortlessly they bring warmth and flavor to any meal, from weeknight dinners to Sunday sides.
Feel free to swap herbs or sprinkle a little smoked paprika for a twist. Leftovers? Pop ‘em back in the air fryer to revive that perfect crispjust like freshly made. It’s a handy tip I learned from years of tweaking pantry-friendly recipes.
Try this easy recipe, share your kitchen wins, and maybe pass it to a friend who needs a little cozy cooking joy. Did potatoes like these remind you of your family table too? I’d love to hear your stories!
Yesica Andrews
AIR FRYER BABY POTATOES: Easy and Delicious Recipe
Golden, crispy, and bursting with herby flavor, these Air Fryer Baby Potatoes are an easy and delicious side dish, tossed with garlic, onion, thyme, parsley, and finished with Parmesan.
In a large bowl, toss potatoes with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Air fry for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese while hot and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispiness, soak potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking and dry thoroughly. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in air fryer for best results.
